FAQ

The RS program at TCC is in diagnostic radiography only. Upon successful completion of the curriculum courses, graduates may be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT has additional criteria that must be met prior to examination. Successful completion of the registry examination results in national certification as a Registered Radiologic Technologist, RT (R) ARRT.

For more information regarding the radiologic technology profession, go to the American Society of Radiologic Technologist’s website at www.asrt.org.

Q: Is Tacoma Community College's program accredited?A: Tacoma Community College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges and Universities of the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Their contact information is: JRCERT, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, Telephone: 312.704.5300. Email: mail@jrcert.org. The JCERT website is: www.jrcert.org.

Q: I have taken classes at another school. How can I find out if they will transfer to TCC?A: All math and science classes must have been completed within 5 years of the quarter in which you intend to apply, regardless of where they were taken. All other prerequisite courses do not have a time limit.

You may refer to Common Course Equivalencies for some of the schools most commonly attended besides TCC. If you do not find your school on the list, you will need to apply for admissions to TCC and send official, sealed transcripts to Enrollment Services, Bldg. 7, Attention: Colleen Spezia.

Q: I am planning on taking the prerequisite courses at a school other than TCC. How can I make sure that I take the correct ones that will transfer to TCC?A: If you do not find your school on the Common Course Equivalencies list, please send your course abbreviations, course numbers and course description to Colleen Spezia, transcript evaluator. Keep in mind that this is only for classes that you plan to take. If you have classes that you have already taken and would like to see if they transfer, you will need to apply for admissions to TCC and send official, sealed transcripts to Enrollment Services, Bldg. 7, Attention: Colleen Spezia.

Q: What is the application deadline?A: April 1 for entry into the fall quarter of that year you apply. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the April 1 deadline.

Q: How do I apply to the Radiologic Science program?

A: Beginning Jan. 1, 2015 the Radiologic Science application will be available online via your TCC portal. Applications will be accepted until Apr. 1, 2015 at 5 p.m. Applications will only be accepted via the online submission process. For more information, please see Radiologic Science Admission Process

Q: How many students do you accept each year?A: The number of applicants accepted into the program ranges from 20-24 based upon clinical site availability.

Q: Is there a wait list for getting into the program?A: No, there is not a wait list. The application deadline is April 1 of each year and you need to have your prereqs completed and your 8-hour hospital visit completed.

Q: What is your selection process for entry?A: Acceptance into the program is based on points. The grade you receive for each of your prerequisite courses is assigned a points value. The students with the top scores are offered a place in the program. Also, each applicant is required to complete 8 hours in a diagnostic radiology department. The clinical site where the visit is done must also complete an evaluation on you. Points are assigned to that feedback also.

Q: I have some past convictions and concerned that I will not be able to apply for the Radiology program. Can I still apply for the program?A: Yes, you can still apply for the program, but certain conviction history excludes persons from health care employment. If you have any prior convictions, even if you believe they may be sealed, please consult with the program chair for radiography or the division dean.

Q: I hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Can I receive extra credit toward my application score?A: No, we do not provide extra points or preference for an advanced degree. Everyone must complete the same prerequisites.

Q: I hold a medical degree from another country. Can I receive extra credit toward my application score?A: No, we do not provide extra points or preference for an advanced degree. Everyone must complete the same prerequisites.

Q: If I am offered a position in the Radiologic Science program are there additional requirements that I will need to complete?A: Yes. In order to complete the required clinical rotations, students need to provide the following additional documentation upon acceptance into the program. However, students will be responsible to provide the following documents to a third-party provider:

Background check by a third-party provider. Certain conviction history excludes persons from health care employment. If you have any prior convictions, even if you believe they may be sealed, please consult with the program chair for Radiology or the division chair.

Documentation of current immunizations and certificates. For a complete list of the immunization and certificate requirements, please click on the link below: